Century House - 2014 Holiday Home Tour

     The Century House Preservationists held their annual fundraiser at the Century House in Lambertville, Michigan the first weekend in December. The fundraiser allowed the public to tour the historic home. The group decorated the house with antique holiday decorations. The donations collected will further support preservation efforts on the cabin that was once slated for demolition. 1

     Century House was the former home of the famous hymnist, Ina Duley Ogden and her family. Odgen wrote the hymn, "Brighten The Corner Where You Are" at the home in 1912 while she tended to her ailing father. 1,3 The cabin was originally built in 1834 with additions added some 30 years later. 2 Ogden lived in the cabin for many years, until shortly before her death in 1964. 3 The cabin transferred ownership to Ogden's relatives upon her death. The cabin stood on the Summerfield Road plot unoccupied for many years.

Christmas decorations greeted visitors during the annual fundraising event.

     The Preservationists made extensive restorations along with the cabin's new owner, since the property switched hands in 2009. 1 The volunteers showcased Ogden's piano, recently donated to the group. The piano was used by Ogden to compose her famous hymn and countless others. The piano traveled to Lambertville by way of a Cleveland suburb. The piano, an upright Weber, was donated by the family of Ogden's former pastor. 3 A local historian played hymns for the curious visitors during the tour. The group provided hot chocolate and cider and discussed the history of the home in further detail.

Christmas decorations were placed throughout the public viewing area.

"Brighten The Corner Where You Are" - Ina Duley Ogden 1

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar;
To the many duties ever near you now  be true,
Brighten the corner where you are

The cabin featured antique Christmas decorations.

Just above are clouded skies that you may want to help clear
Let not narrow self your way debar
Though into one heart alone may your song of cheer fall  
Brighten the corner where you are

The upstairs fireplace featured a menagerie of Christmas decorations.

Here for all your talent you may surley find a need
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed
Brighten the corner where you are

Cinnamon sticks placed throughout the cabin provided a festive aroma.

(Refrain)

Brighten the corner where you are
Brighten the corner where you are
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar
Brighten the corner where you are

Close-up image of the fireplace mantel that highlights the amount of detail that went into decorating the home by the volunteers.

If you would like more information about Century House , please visit the Century House Preservationists website. (Click here)

Sources
1. Archibald, M. "Century House". [www.freewebs.com/marchi] accessed 12/2014

2. Stanton, D. "Christmas Cabin" Bedford Now. December 13,2012.[www.bedfordnow.com/news/2012/dec/13/christmas-cabin/] accessed 12/2014

3. Ryan. C. "Piano Brightens the Corner of Hymnist Home Once More". Toledo Blade. July 1, 2013. 
[www.toledoblade.com/Music-Theater-Dance/2013/07/01/Piano-brightens-the-corner-of-hymnist-home-once-more.html ] accessed 12/2014